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China’s smart economy push lifts tech, AI stocks
Investors are more upbeat about China’s push to build a “smart economy” after Beijing’s new blueprint emphasized tech self-reliance and a shift from AI breakthroughs toward commercialization.
Premier Li Qiang highlighted AI in his work report and set a target for core digital economy industries to reach 12.5% of GDP by 2030.
Shares of AI chipmakers, quantum computing and brain-computer-related stocks jumped after the report, and a gauge of humanoid robot stocks rose 1.4%, snapping an eight-day losing streak.
Analysts at Citigroup and Morgan Stanley said they favor tech and innovation sectors, including quantum technology and brain-machine interfaces.
China Galaxy Securities and GF Securities said Beijing elevated “future energy” industries such as hydrogen and advanced energy storage as priorities.
Some investors remain cautious, with Vey-Sern Ling of Union Bancaire Privee saying the continued focus on tech and innovation was in line with market expectations and that nothing new in terms of direction or specific support was announced.
🔗 Source: Bloomberg
🧠 Food for thought
Implications, context, and why it matters.
China’s smart economy plan targets fast adoption
- Beijing’s “AI Plus” plan sets a 70% penetration target for AI-powered “intelligent terminals” (AI-enabled devices such as phones, industrial sensors, or robotics controllers) and AI agents (software that can autonomously carry out tasks) across priority sectors by 2027 1.
- A “full stack” industrial policy backs the effort across the supply chain, from R&D to deployment 2. It funds research, training, and subsidized compute (government-backed access to AI computing power) 2.
- State-directed demand, often through state-owned enterprises, helps seed early orders for domestic semiconductors and drones 3. The volume lets local firms reach economies of scale (lower per-unit costs from producing at high volume) 3.
China applies its EV approach to humanoid robots and frontier tech
- The shift toward commercialization is spawning new global industries where China leads in manufacturing, similar to its rise in electric vehicles 4.
- Data cited by Rest of World from Omdia (a technology research firm) and IDC (International Data Corporation, a market research company) puts Chinese brands at nearly 90% of humanoid robot sales worldwide in 2025 4.
- On Omdia’s 2025 top-sellers list, the only non-Chinese firms were American 4. Figure AI (a humanoid robotics startup), Agility Robotics (a warehouse-focused humanoid robotics company), and Tesla sold about 150 robots each 4. Unitree and Shanghai-based Agibot shipped over 5,000 units apiece 4.
- A split market could follow, with China supplying lower-cost AI hardware while overseas rivals focus on high-end software and autonomy 4.
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